In recent days, it has come to the attention of the Daily News that certain letter-writers are receiving responses that contain something more than an opposing argument.
The messages contain threats of physical harm, simply for opposing the war in Iraq.
Is this the America we are fighting for? It seems that a society like ours should hold itself to higher ideals. It seems that those who endorse spreading democracies into other countries might also be kind enough not to threaten their own countrymen over a simple disagreement.
These letter-writers are not the only ones receiving such treatment. A broad generalization has been painted for every person who opposes this war.
The general idea is, if you are against the war, you are against America.
Everyone knows generalizations do not work. In fact, they are dangerous, and this is why.
The concept that "someone who is anti-war is also anti-America" appears to be what is fostering this violent behavior. Ironically, it also appears that the people who claim to be the real patriots in this country are the ones who are threatening to attack their fellow citizens.
Again, as Mark Twain put it, "All generalizations are false, including this one." Not every person in favor of the war is threatening to attack a person who is against the war. Meanwhile, it is true that some people who are against the war also appear to be anti-American.
This is not a time for finger-pointing, and it is certainly not a time to lash out at each other.
Voltaire said, "I may disagree with what you have to say, but I shall defend, to the death, your right to say it."
Be an American and stand by your fellow citizen. You don't have to agree, you just have to get along.
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